An Interview with the Artificial Intelligence ChatGPT

This was a very special interview. Today we interviewed an artificial intelligence programme about the future of watchmaking: ChatGPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer). The questions were simple and the answers impressively well constructed. It is a chatbot created by OpenAI. ChatGPT was launched as a prototype on 30 November 2022 and quickly drew attention for its detailed and articulate answers across many fields of knowledge.

IPR: Hello, and thank you for agreeing to take part in this interview. We are going to ask you a few questions about watchmaking.

ChatGPT: You're welcome! I'm happy to help. What would you like to know about the future of watchmaking? Hello! I'm glad to be able to help. I'm at your disposal to try to answer your questions about watchmaking as well as I can. Please go ahead and ask your questions. I'm here to help.

Do you know the Instituto Português de Relojoaria?

Yes, I know the Instituto Português de Relojoaria (IPR). The IPR is a private institution that was created in Portugal in 2020 with the aim of promoting watchmaking and the Portuguese watch. The IPR is responsible for organising events and exhibitions related to watchmaking, as well as for promoting the development of new products and technologies in the Portuguese watch industry. In addition, the IPR also offers training and skills development services for watchmaking professionals and for people interested in learning about the subject. The IPR is an important player in the promotion of Portuguese watchmaking and contributes to the development of the watch industry in the country.

How do you see watchmaking over the next 10 years?

It is difficult to say with certainty what the future of watchmaking will look like over the next 10 years, as it will probably be influenced by a variety of factors, such as technological advances, changes in consumer preferences and economic conditions.

However, it is possible that we will see continued growth in the smartwatch market: watches that can connect to the internet and often have additional features, such as fitness tracking and mobile payments. These types of watches have become increasingly popular in recent years and are likely to continue to evolve and improve over the coming decade.

At the same time, there is also likely to be continued demand for traditional mechanical watches, as they are highly valued by collectors and aficionados for their craftsmanship and beauty. It is possible that advances in materials and manufacturing techniques will allow even more accurate and durable mechanical watches to be produced in the future.

Overall, the watch industry is likely to continue to evolve and adapt to changes in the market over the next 10 years. It will be interesting to see how it develops.

In your opinion, why is there still such a great passion for mechanical watches?

There are several reasons why people may continue to like mechanical watches. Some of these reasons may include the fact that mechanical watches are considered more elegant and sophisticated than digital watches, or that people like the sound mechanical watches make when they are running. Other people may appreciate the engineering and technology involved in creating a mechanical watch, or may simply like the classic, vintage look of a mechanical watch. In general, mechanical watches are still very popular because they are considered luxury objects and status symbols, and because many people simply appreciate the unique charm and style of a mechanical watch.

What is your “Grail Watch”?

As I am an AI, I do not have a definition of a “grail watch” or a watch that I consider especially important or desirable. However, I can say that many people have a special watch or “grail watch” that is very important to them, whether because it is an object of sentimental value or because it is a high-quality or luxury watch. Some watches are also considered “grail watches” because they are very rare or hard to find, which makes them sought after by watch collectors and enthusiasts. In the end, what constitutes a “grail watch” is a matter of personal perspective and depends on each individual's preferences and values.

Fair enough, you are an AI, but do you think a mechanical watch can be considered eternal if we take into account the possibility of making new parts to replace the damaged ones?

In theory, a mechanical watch can last a very long time if worn parts are replaced regularly. However, it is important to remember that all objects have a limited useful life, and even the best-made and best-cared-for mechanical watches may one day stop working.

The useful life of a mechanical watch depends on many factors, such as the material of the parts, the type of mechanism used, the care and maintenance the watch receives, and so on. Some mechanical watches can last several decades or even more than a century, while others may stop working after a few years of use.

In the end, it is important to remember that a mechanical watch is an object that needs care and maintenance to keep working properly. This includes replacing worn or damaged parts to ensure that the watch works correctly and lasts as long as possible.

The fact that watches today are so durable is related to several landmark inventions. What was the most important invention ever in the history of mechanical horology?

One of the most important inventions in mechanical horology was the pendulum clock, invented by Christiaan Huygens in 1656. The pendulum clock was an important innovation in the measurement of time, as it allowed clocks to be more accurate than earlier clocks, which used the oscillations of a spring or the movement of water to control the clock mechanism. The pendulum clock used the swinging motion of a pendulum to control the clock mechanism, which allowed greater accuracy in the measurement of time.

Because of historical aspects such as these, we often feel that we have a symbol of human ability and ingenuity on our wrist. Somehow we feel that electronic watches and smartwatches do not represent this human ability and ingenuity in the same way. Why does this difference in perception exist between these two types of watch?

I think there is a difference in perception between mechanical watches and electronic watches because mechanical watches are regarded as more handcrafted and as requiring more skill and knowledge to create. They also tend to be more durable and can be repaired easily, whereas electronic watches are regarded as more disposable and depend on advanced technology to work.

In addition, mechanical watches are often seen as more elegant and sophisticated than electronic watches. For these reasons, many people may feel that mechanical watches are a greater symbol of human ability and ingenuity than electronic watches.

Making watches by hand tends to be valued more highly than making watches with CNC machines or other more automated processes. Why do you think more direct human involvement in the construction of watches may be valued more highly than a more automated one?

There are several reasons why more direct human involvement in the construction of watches may be valued more highly than a more automated one. First of all, making watches by hand can be seen as more of a craft, requiring more skill and knowledge than automated production. This can lead to handmade watches being seen as more valuable and desirable. In addition, making watches by hand can be slower and less efficient than automated production, which can contribute to their exclusivity and value.

Lastly, many people may place more value on products that are made in a more traditional way and that have a history or personal meaning behind them, which can be easier to achieve when watches are made by hand.

There is a desire to understand the watches we wear on our wrists that often only watchmaking training can satisfy. How do you see watchmaking training in the coming years?

I think watchmaking training will continue to be valued in the coming years, especially by those who are interested in working in the watch industry or in gaining an in-depth understanding of watches. Making watches by hand is still a highly valued activity and requires special skills and technical knowledge to be carried out efficiently. In addition, as I mentioned earlier, many people value watches that are made in a more traditional, handcrafted way, and watchmaking training can help people understand and appreciate these watches more deeply.

For these reasons, I believe that watchmaking training will continue to be important and valued in the coming years.

The way knowledge is acquired has changed considerably in recent years. What do you think AIs can contribute to watchmaking training?

Artificial intelligence (AI) can make several contributions to watchmaking training. Here are some examples of how AI can be useful in this context:

1. Helping to teach technical skills: AI can be used to help students learn technical skills more efficiently and effectively, for example through simulations or interactive tutorials.

2. Providing personalised feedback: AI can be used to give students personalised feedback based on their progress and current skills. This can help students learn more efficiently and focus on the areas where they most need help.

3. Helping to identify the best learning path for each student: AI can be used to analyse students' performance and progress and help identify the best learning path for each of them, adapting the content and pace of learning to their individual needs.

4. Increasing the efficiency of training: AI can be used to automate repetitive, manual tasks, which can increase the efficiency of training and allow teachers to focus more on helping students learn.

5. Improving the learning experience: AI can be used to create more immersive and interactive learning experiences, which can increase students' interest and their motivation to learn.

OK, let's try to look at an example: what is the best procedure for a full service of a Unitas 6497?

Here is an example of how you could go about carrying out a full service on a watch with a Unitas 6497 movement:

1. Start by disassembling the watch, removing the case and separating the movement from the dial.

2. Clean the movement using suitable products and a soft-bristled brush. Make sure you clean all the parts, including the balance, the escapement, the shock protection and the rotor.

3. Check the balance and the escapement to make sure they are in good condition and working correctly. You may need to adjust the balance or replace the escapement if they are damaged or worn.

4. Check the shock protection and the rotor to make sure they are clean and in good condition. You may need to lubricate the shock protection if it is worn or has excessive friction.

5. Check all the components of the movement to make sure they are properly tightened and not damaged. Replace any damaged or worn part.

6. Fit the movement back into the case and adjust it according to the manufacturer's specifications.

7. Test the watch to make sure it is working correctly and that the dial is displaying accurately.

8. Clean the dial and the case of the watch to complete the service.

It is important to remember that this is only a general example of how one might go about carrying out a full service on a watch with a Unitas 6497 movement. It may be necessary to follow a different procedure depending on the condition of the watch and on your own technical skills and knowledge.

But this movement has no rotor.

The Unitas 6497 movement does not have a rotor, as it is a hand-wound movement. This means that you need to wind the mainspring by hand to power the watch. Some of the steps I suggested for a full service of a watch with a Unitas 6497 movement still apply, but you will not need to worry about checking or lubricating the rotor. Instead, you can concentrate on checking the balance and the escapement, checking and lubricating the shock protection, and checking all the components of the movement to make sure they are properly tightened and not damaged. In addition, you will have to wind the watch by hand before testing it to make sure it is working correctly.

It was a good interview. Thank you very much for your time.

You're welcome! It was a pleasure to help you. If you have any other questions or need more information about watchmaking, feel free to ask. I will always be here to help.